Councillors back a huge £300m Rhydycar West ski slope, sending the project to PEDW for review despite officer objections.
Marvel Ltd wants to build it on land near a roundabout. Planning officers initially said no to the project. However, councillors disagreed with them and voted against the officers’ advice. Now, PEDW, which stands for Planning and Environment Decisions Wales, will consider the project.
This project could create 842 jobs, with most going to locals, and add £317.6m to the economy during building. After that, it could add £38.1m each year, potentially bringing £300 million to the area.
The land was used for industry before, and old mines, canals, and railways are still there. There are also old monuments and a listed building. The area is part of a special historic landscape.
A nature site and ancient woods are on the land as well. Public paths cross the site. A farm nearby could help make up for nature loss. The company said they looked at other sites but think Rhydycar West is the best place.
A councillor called it the biggest project in decades and said people really support it. He thinks it will help Merthyr Tydfil a lot and believes the council must approve it to help current and future people.
Another councillor called it a rare chance to help children and grandchildren. Councillors think the Welsh government must deliver on the plan. Another said the council should match the opportunity.
Reasons to say no are “limited,” he shared, noting that Natural Resources Wales did not say no. Visual impact exists, but happens often with major building. Another councillor said the benefits are very high, and the economic boost would be great. He does not want to miss this chance.
People sent 141 letters supporting it, plus 23 against. More letters arrived later, 282 for and two against. A petition for the project got over 2,800 signatures. Supporters said it will help the economy, create jobs, and help local stores.
It can boost local supply and increase visitors. Other attractions could gain, they add, and this development may draw more investment. Locals can have better opportunities, and health and recreation will improve. People will not need to travel far for skiing, as Cardiff is close by train or car.
Eco-friendly parts are in the plans, with renewable energy and green areas being beneficial. Open spaces and investment can help the town. On the other hand, those against said it breaks rules. Views could be ruined, they worry, and historic sites could suffer. The canal may sustain damages, and public paths are a worry.
More traffic, pollution, noise, and litter are potential issues. Nature could be hurt, they fear, and trees may vanish, shared the concerned citizens. The special nature site could be affected, and mineshafts may endure damage.
Floods and water issues are considered worries. They also questioned looking at other sites. Concerns include limited facility access, with pro teams’ use potentially limiting public access. Future building elsewhere could receive encouragement, opponents add.
Officers said no because part of the nature site would be lost, and the project will not help the site’s management. Plans do not include their position. They also said there were no ways to help nature, and information given in the study lacked completeness. The study failed to fully address concerns.
The scale will change the land too much, and the site would not fit the area’s look. It would harm special historic land. The report said the economic good would not outweigh environment harm. In March 2024, Wales asked to review the project.
The council cannot approve the project without permission from Wales first. However, the council can still work on the plan and can still say no to it too.